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| Manila, Philippines |  Review on April 30, 2026: |
hamorflic247
Rating:  | Review Topic: General Review
Apparently they're not used to seeing same-sex couples at this embassy. The Filipino consulate staff can be especially nosy about it — sometimes it's curiosity, sometimes it's something else. You'll also likely get the strictest American interviewer they have. That said, the experience and the result are two very different things. They grilled him hard, but they were fair about it.
On timing — we started St. Luke's medical in late February and the earliest interview slot available was April 14th. That's roughly six weeks out. If you get something sooner, great, but plan for a long wait. Start the medical as early as you possibly can and don't assume you'll get a quick appointment. They're busy and they don't mess around with their schedule.
Expect to be questioned about things you wouldn't even think would matter. His interview was roughly three hours total between waiting and actual interview time. You're going to see a large crowd when you arrive.
We got a 221(g) at the interview — medical and I-864 related, nothing about the relationship itself, which tells you something. We submitted everything between Friday and Monday. It was satisfied by Tuesday. That turnaround was faster than expected, and honestly I think nagging St. Luke's to release the medical helped push it through. Don't be shy about following up with them if you're waiting on results.
For the 221(g) document submission — you can go back to the VAC (where biometrics were done) and they'll mail everything to the embassy for free. Don't overthink that part.
A few things worth knowing before you get to this stage:
— If you're the petitioner and you've been living in the Philippines for six months or more, expect to prove domicile. Bring proof that you intend to return to the US — a plane ticket works. They get suspicious.
— Double and triple check household size and income on your financial documents. Then check again.
— Fill out BOTH the I-134 and the I-864. They can and will request the more strict, legally binding version (I-864). Give them too much rather than not enough. Between the two forms that's roughly 45+ pages but it's worth it.
— For income documentation, IRS transcripts are preferred. If you don't have those, show a W-2 and your federal tax return together.
— This is technically a non-immigrant visa, but plenty of systems — including the CEAC portal and the US visa scheduling site — classify it as an immigrant visa. Don't let that confuse you when you're checking status.
This process took us fourteen months. Any speed you see along the way is a win. Good luck.
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Consulate / USCIS Member Review #33994